Week 14

Things have gotten so hectic lately! I know it's been a while since an update, so here we go.

I listen to the radio often and every now and again I hear a commercial for something. The latest was for andro400, a testoserone booster. The commercial states that it raises your testosterone and helps you lose belly fat.

This got me interested and I looked up reviews. The first thing I noticed was that it worked for some people and did not for others. When searching deeper, I found that those who said it worked often mentioned some kind of workout.

First off, testosterone is a male hormone that when deficient can cause depression, loss of bone and muscle mass, and low libido. Often, a man that is overweight has low testosterone levels. Being overweight as a man can lead to heart disease and other problems. So, testosterone and weight kind of go hand in hand.

The best way to raise your testosterone and lose body fat is by exercise. I don't like this because I don't really have time to exercise! But, there's no way around it. Weight lifting is one of the best ways to help your testosterone. Sprinting is another. We all know that cardio is good for the heart and helps you to lose weight, but don't forget that to actually make muscle, which helps you lose weight faster, you need to use resistance or weights. The more muscle you have the more weight you lose.

My wife thinks that first you put on muscle which makes your clothes fit a little oddly. Then almost over night, you start quickly burning fat and notice that your clothes are looser. That's what she thinks, though there is no scientific evidence other than her own clothings!

As far as supplements to help. Protein is a given!

Resveratrol helps to repair your body. If you want to help your hormones out, whether male or female, you need to support your thyroid. The main nutrients needed would be found in the Vitalizer strip- providing iodine, Vitamin E, Selenium, and zinc along with essential fatty acids. You could also add the CalMag in there for added Calcium and Magnesium. Vitamin D is also necessary for hormone production. And of course, the repair with Vivix.

So, if you're like me looking for a quick fix to get the way you want to, I'm sad to say you're going to have to put in the effort! I'm going to have find some time somewhere to get some workouts in. Darn it!

Week 9

So, I'm just trucking along in my weightloss journey. Trying to get in a little exercise, trying to get a couple of free days a week, and trying to spend some time with my family. I walked through the door at 11:00 pm last week and one of my kids said, "Who are you?" I've been away from home way too much!

My wife was pretty happy when I last weighed myself. Then she says, "I'm going to start adding medium chain triglycerides to your shakes and see how that helps!" First off, I have no idea what she just said. And secondly, she had that look in her eyes that makes me wanna hide!

She just laughed at me when I said, "Say what?!?!" Then she explained that she was talking about virgin coconut oil and that it would help my body lose the weight faster while giving me more energy. Okay, as long as it doesn't taste nasty and I'm not downing spoonfuls of oil, I'll try it. I don't want to plateau!

Many toxins are lipid soluble, meaning they are stored in the fat. Our body must change them into water soluble materials to eliminate them. All toxins alter the body's metabolism. As our chemical toxicity increases the need for detox become imperative.

When we start to lose weight, we release toxins into the blood stream and they throw our endocrine system for a loop! The person starts to feel awful and then they plateau- that's the body saying "I can't handle any more toxins in my system". The answer to plateau is detox.

The body will not release more toxins until you clean out the ones previously released into it. You can detox by eating lots of raw foods or juicing, balancing the intestinal flora, increasing fiber (10-15 grams for children; up to 40 grams for adults/ per day), eating green leafy vegetables, and getting your body to an alkalized PH.

HerbLax will help to cleanse the intestines. Liver DTX will help to flush the liver. A great detox start is alfalfa, HerbLax, and Liver DTX. These in conjunction with Protein and Vitalizer will help provide the nutrients each system needs to function properly, maintain blood sugar and stabilize insulin, and kick start the detoxification process. Add in fiber, hydration, exercise, stress management, and sleep and you'll detox better and lose weight faster. 

Exercise is helpful to get the blood flowing and the toxins moving out. I think that's why I saw a good amount of weight loss when I started working at Chick Fil A- it was 5 hours of running around and lifting heavy boxes. I started getting exercise, even if it wasn't aerobic or weight training. All the body needs is a little movement and it will do what it's suppose to!

I still don't think "healthy". One night after church, we were driving home and I looked at my wife and said, "I'm craving cinnamon rolls." Now, my wife loves cinnamon anything, so I was hoping she'd say something about getting some. She looked at me, smiled, and said, "I want steak." Man, I love that woman! We had a nice little meal of steak and cinnamon rolls that night. One splurge night every so often is healthy, right?

Week 7

Hello, all! Time is just flying by!

I've been so busy that I haven't had time to really workout. I'll get in a little bit here and there, but not what you could call a good schedule. SO, I researched it! Yep, Uncle do research again!

I already knew that Shaklee protein was good for you. But, Shaklee has another supplement that was put together as a workout support and recovery or Sports Nutrition. 

While the protein in the 180 shakes provide the energy and nourishment we need, there are sometimes other nutrients that our body needs. The way our body communicates this to us is through cravings. If you crave chocolate a lot you could be deficient in calcium. If something sugary is what you desire, it may be a lack of B Vitamins. I'm going to point out a few Shaklee supplements that are good for those who are working out.

Performance helps to keep you hydrated during your workout. If you dehydrate, it can decrease your endurance, increase your body temperature and heart rate, and can lead to disorientation and physical collapse. Performance can be sipped on throughout your workout to keep your body hydrated

Physique will maximize your muscle recovery and minimize soreness and fatigue after a workout.

Don't quite have the energy to workout? Try the Energy Chews. It has amino acids, B and D vitamins, and  green tea extract to give that boost to get you going. My friend, who works nights for the air force, tried the energy chews. He was in a "not so great" mood at 7:30pm when he took the chew. They recommend taking 2, but he only took 1. He said he was in a better mood when he got to work, and the energy didn't start to wear off until 5am! These things work!

As always, there are no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives.

I do want to add one thing. Most people only think about their muscles when working out. However, we need to also be thinking about protecting our bones and joints. Osteomatrix helps to build strong bones and teeth and also helps retain normal blood pressure. Joint Health Complex helps to build cartilage and improves the cushion in your joints. And, if your muscles are overworked and sore, there's Joint and Muscle Pain cream you can massage on there to help them out!

So far, without working out, I've lost 11 lbs! If I could work out, I'm sure I'd see some more, but then again I want my shakes to take like steak or bacon! Ah! One can dream!

Week 5

Well, things are getting really hectic around here! I just started a third job- Chick Fil A. I do make those uniforms look good! But working 3 jobs sure does drain it out of you!

As part of getting healthy, my wife and I are learning about different problems with the body and how to fix them. And what better place to start than with stress and adrenal fatigue! In these days of picking up coffee (my wife) or drinking down energy drinks and soda (me), we don't think about the negative reaction that can occur to our already depleted and stressed out bodies.

Cortisol is a very important hormone that regulates all the other hormones. When cortisol gets out of whack due to stress the following symptoms can occur: fatigue, intense carbohydrate cravings, hard time recovering from sickness or surgery, mood swings, weight gain around the middle, inflammation, pain, food intolerance, and allergies- to name a few.

The problem is when we get stressed out and fatigued, we go to caffeine to give us the boost we need to get thru the day. Caffeine dumps adrenaline into our systems which lasts there for 18 to 20 hours. Now, here comes the big problem. You are tired, but you're brain is wired. You toss and turn and can't get the sleep you need for the body to repair itself. What do you do when you wake up and you're feeling exhausted- coffee or energy drinks! It's just a big circular pattern that puts your body into a downward spiral.

So, what do we do about it? Oh, yes! I did research like a Chinese Uncle! (If you or your kids watched the Jackie Chan cartoon, you're laughing right now!)

To get over adrenal fatigue we must address 4 basic issues: 1) Glycemic regulation or blood sugar, 2) Inflammation, Pain, and Infection, 3) Adrenaline Production, 4) Rest, Repair, Rejuvenation. When we can get these 4 factors under control, we will see significant changes in our fatigue!

First, Glycemic regulation. To regulate your blood sugar properly you need protein. Protein stabilizes the blood sugar for long periods of time. It's very important for you to have protein with each meal, especially breakfast. You need a good multivitamin. The Lean and Healthy kit provides both the protein and the vitamins. Plus, you need to eat more veggies and less starches (breads, pastas, cereals, potatoes, etc). And also avoid alcohols and sugars.

Next, Inflammation, Pain, and Infection. The main protocol for these is to cut wheat and dairy from your diet- that's because those 2 things (gluten and casein) are triggers for allergies which can cause these problems. Next get some Omega Guard and GLA in your system!

Thirdly, Adrenaline Production. You need to get the adrenaline out of your body. You don't need to be in a constant "fight or flight" state of mind. It's not healthy! Avoid caffeine and intense situations, also avoid tv shows, movies, news, or even people that make you anxious. For the extra mile, get some extra B vitamins and give Vivix a try- It helps to repair your body at the cellular level.

Lastly, Rest, Repair, and Rejuvenation. Do something playful or creative (gardening, reading, praying, crafts); whatever you enjoy, just have fun! Get some motion in your day. You need to get that adrenaline out! So, go for a walk, take a bike ride, go swimming, whatever! And get some quality sleep. If you need help in that department try Stress Release, Gentle Sleep, VitalMag, or Osteomatrix supplements. All these supplements are safe for women who are expecting except the Vivix!

 

There's also this amazing spray called NutraSpray Melatonin- works wonders! Caution: do not operate any machinery while using, heavy or otherwise! This product is for adults only, and should not be taken by children, teenagers, or pregnant women.

Those are the steps we're taking to get our adrenals under control. My wife has threatened my life if I remove her coffee- and she meant it! There was this look in her eyes and she was growling! I don't like the stuff, but apparently it's an attitude stimulator for her- I think I'll let her keep it! I just backed away all slow like!

As for me, I've been doing real well taking my shakes twice a day and a Vitalizer strip every day. However, Friday I ran route (which I don't normally do) and forgot to drink my second shake and take my Vitalizer. I was wiped out when I got home! I didn't realize how much energy the Shaklee gave me until I went without it one day. No time for exercise. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to weigh myself before my next entry.

Week 3

Things are going pretty good. I'm getting use to the flavors and I've been experimenting! I make up a shake and then shove it in the freezer for an hour or so, and then, I have an ice cream smoothie. I've yet to try anything crazy, like fruit. My wife takes hers with Almond Milk, and she seems to like that. I'm a traditionalist- cow milk!

I've been learning some amazing things about protein. Especially since my wife keeps researching these products and telling me what she found out! I don't need information. I just want to know if they work and how to use them. But, we are opposites! So for all those opposites out there- HERE YOU GO!

First, people aren't getting enough protein in their diets. I checked how much meat my wife used in dinners each night. We only eat about 1.5 lbs of meat for a family of 5 each night! That made me want a triple baconator! Okay, still not thinking "healthy".  ;)

Next, it's not the protein that's important, it's the amino acid content of the protein that's important. A doctor down in Florida has used Shaklee and checked the amino acid content of the blood and found that after 2 weeks of taking Shaklee protein (180 shakes) the amino acid content was actually going up! My wife finds this fascinating! I'm just going to pretend to understand all this.

When you add stress to your day, your body goes to your muscles to get the amino acids that you need. You start to lose your muscle mass! Muscle breakdown is caused by a lack of amino acids in the blood. Shaklee 180 shakes helps your body overcome these problems. So, when I actually get the time to workout, I'm going to start looking good!

Another problem is that your body can't fully break down animal protein, and it can show up in the kidneys as acids and crystals. So it appears that you're getting too much protein, when you're actually getting the wrong kind of protein. Amazing that there's such a huge difference in protein! I'm rethinking the triple Baconator. :/

And lastly, your body needs certain amino acids to utilize the protein that is in it. It's like having the supplies for a project (protein) without having the tools (leucine- amino acid) to finish the project. And 1 shake actually costs less than a Baconator. Man! I reallly want a Baconator!

But, back to me and my journey. The working out has been kinda non-existent, but I work 2 jobs so I don't really have the time. I did help my wife shave our dog- that was a workout! The dog looked almost clean afterwards. Maybe I'll get to bathe him one day- another workout? 

Week 1

So, here's my starter picture. Flattering, isn't it? I weigh 230 lbs. People suggest doing measurements, but I'm not gonna do that. Why? My wife would have to pull out her tape measure, and then I'd get to see her try to hide the astonishment from the number. Then she would want to measure herself, and she'd get all "I'm getting fat!" And, well, why make life hard?!?! Seriously! Happy wife, happy life!

Back to the diet, I started with a shake for breakfast and a shake for lunch. Here I am mixing this up in milk this afternoon and all I could think was, "I'd like to add peanut butter to this! Or eat a sandwich with this! Or maybe a bowl of Ramen?" Yeah, it's going great! I do not have the mind-set for this yet.

It's hard when the only fruit you like is a Granny Smith Apple and cantaloupe! My idea of a small, crunchy orange thing is a cheese puff- not carrots! And my favorite vegetable is French Fries!  

My wife picked up an elliptical machine that she found on the side of the road. "Hey," she says, "Maybe you could jog on this while playing your video games." Oh, that's my wife for you. She likes to work out. She likes to eat different fruits and vegetables. She's my greatest joy and aggravation!

All-in-all, it's not that bad. I'm not really starving during the day and the shakes tastes pretty good. I get to eat a normal dinner- Way better than the 2 week liquid diet! We'll see how well this works and how fast I lose the weight.

My Beginning

I started this blog to encourage others while encouraging myself.

Let me tell you about me. I'm a 36 year old man with a lovely wife and 3 children. When my wife first got pregnant, we weren't making enough money to indulge her cravings. I was never a small man, but I stayed at about 185 lbs. When we moved closer to my parents, my wife was expecting our third child. As mothers usually do, she fed us- A LOT! I gained weight with my wife. I went up to 230 lbs. She was lucky enough to have the baby and drop about 15 lbs immediately! I, on the other hand, was not so fortunate.

I tried many diet programs. I did the 5 Factor Fitness, a 2 week liquid diet, a low carb diet, and even the Perfect 10 diet. I saw some results, but they never stayed. I was back to my original weight within 2 months.

My wife did a ton of research into all-natural whatevers. She was determined that not only would I lose weight, but our family would become healthier in the process. And that's how I found Shaklee 180.

We were introduced to Shaklee 180 by a friend who owns her own theater, teaches children's theater, is a homeschooling mother of 3 children, and has been helping her mother through cancer. She was getting quite drained until she started using the Shaklee 180 shakes. She had the energy she needed to get through the day, and wasn't dying on the couch by 4:30pm!

My "must do research" wife was off! She looked into everything from vitamin content to ingredients to comparison charts, etc. She finally came to the realization that this was a VERY healthy, and yet easy to do, weight loss system. And so, we are trying it! 

If you'd like more of the information my wife found, please, shoot m,e an email. I'll send you a link to a free webinar that will answer your questions.

Here's to renewed strength, renewed health, and a renewed you!